I love Side - very laid back surrounded by history but with its livelier spots. The main town feeding Side is Manavgat - just a few kms inland and across the main road.
Plenty of history around Side and a beautiful place to just wander around. Not too far from the airport either. Easy to get into the city centre for serious retail therapy if you need to!!! Oh and a visit to kebab centrum!! An area of just kebab places all very reasonably priced each offering a different variety!
Don't think you'll find too many football shirted, red faced lot there!